And I wanna go to beeeeeed

It's 2AM and I'm wide awake. I usually find myself tossing and turning for hours on nights when I have something troubling on my mind, and tonight's no exception. This evening's fun-filled emotional trainwreck: best and worst decisions of my life. How I come up with these things, I have no idea. But all the great epiphanies hit me in the middle of the night. Fortunately, after sorting through several of these life-altering scenarios, I have found I've made more good decisions than bad. And to spare another hour or so of dwelling on the bad, I'm only going to list the good. Some are profound, others are very trivial, but still just as good. So, in no particular order, Best Decisions of My Life.

• YES to attending Penn State
• NO to the pre-med major
• YES to that junior year college ski trip to Copper Mountain
• YES to living with Stephanie, Holly, Julie, Megan, and Sharpy
• NO to living with all the others
• YES to Justin
• YES to all the undergrad parties (well, most of them)
• YES to taking that EMT class Stephanie made me sign up for Freshman year of college
• YES to working at 20
• YES to moving to Vail
• NO to medical school directly after undergrad
• YES to THON, everything THON
• NO to giving in to snowboarding
• YES to PCOM
• YES to stealing the dining hall trays to go sledding Sophomore year even though the University Police "pulled us over" and took them away
• NO to settling for a bachelor's
• YES to all the ex's (you learn)
• YES to flannel penguin sheets

It's a lot harder than you think to come up with a list. OK, maybe it's just hard for me to come up with a list. But I tend to think of a decision as I'm making it, not as part of a compilation of decisions 5 or 10 years down the road. Not to mention, any rhyme or reason in why I chose one path over the other. As I read over this list, I find I'm angry with myself that I didn't come up with anything better. But here's hoping I've at least cleaned out the brain for the night and I can get a few hours in before work tomorrow.

Sweet dreams.

Doing the Potty Dance

I'm such an impatient person. During interviews, when they ask that really annoying question of what character flaws you have, I always answer with my standard, "well, I'm impatient, but that usually makes me a harder worker because I aim to get the job done sooner." Complete crap of course, but the skilled art of bullshitting is something to be discussed at a later date.

Finals are in a few short weeks (look at that, I don't even know when they actually are), and I haven't done much to prepare. In fact, I haven't done anything since my midterms, which were before Christmas break. Bend over you say? Don't mind if I do.

It's my own fault and I'm really just ready for them to be finished despite the lack of studying. Why? Because I have another really great vacation lined up as soon as these finals are over. My Spring break falls a bit earlier than usual to split up the 2nd and 3rd terms at PCOM. So I'm taking advantage of this full week off in February and hopping on a plane to Colorado for a little R&R. Not like I just came back from a fantastic vacation, but let's face it, I'm spoiled now.

So for now, I'm sitting around, twiddling my thumbs, not studying, and anxiously awaiting Colorado. I'm breaking up this routine by checking out a couple wedding dress websites now and then. Productive of course. See what happens when you dangle a piece of meat for me across an aisle of burning coals? I don't devise a way to get across the coals without burning myself, I roll around, scratch and claw my way until I'm on the other side, all bruised and broken. But I have my piece of meat. That being said, I'm also looking very forward to seeing the boyfriend, uh, I mean fiance.

More Malaysia

And now that I have the other half of the Malaysia pictures....

Batu Caves

Monkeys


Drinking coconut milk

Justin and his dad

Big Bamboo Plant

Carlsberg beer at Kapalai

Underneath Malaysia

While at Kapalai Island, Justin, his parents, and I snorkeled and scuba dived for a couple days. These shots were taken with Justin's underwater dive camera. Unfortunately, you can't quite capture the spectrum of color that we actually saw.

Family of Starfish

Ocean Floor

Yellow Fishy


Electric Blue Starfish

Giant Sea Cucumber

Colors

"Camouflage"

Courage

Define courage. Probably a little different for everyone. Some definitions may involve words like bravery and valor. Others may use words like will-power and determination. My definition was solidified today when I walked into the little pizza shop where I work.

Same as any other day, smile and nod to the delivery guys, wave to the pizza man, chat with the cooks, set up the dining room, go about your business.

"That's big stuff, you know." "What are you going to do?" "There's people you can talk to."

I heard the owner talking to one of the delivery girls at the front of the restaurant. I listened in a bit, but wasn't quite getting the whole story. I finally meandered my way into earshot and heard the word "baby." Delivery girl is pregnant. I walked over to her and gave her a hug, and offered my congratulations. She's about my age, maybe a bit younger, high school education, off and on boyfriend, living with mom, working as a delivery girl at the local pizza shop.

"So what are you going to do," asked the owner.

"Well, I certainly can't kill it, I don't believe that. And I don't think I can give it up after carrying it for 9 months. So I guess I'm keeping it."

Done, decision made, no hesitation. Delivery girl, in her 20 some years of life had it all figured out. She was pregnant, knew what her responsibilities were, and took charge of the situation. She didn't second-guess herself. She knew what her morals were, and what was right for her life.

Here I am, bitching and moaning about what to do with my life, and delivery girl has one of the most frightful situations thrust upon her. Does she complain? No. Does she have any clue how she's going to pull this off? No. Does it matter? No.

What gives one that courage? Why doesn't everyone have it? Do we all have it, but maybe just don't use it?

I still don't have a word-for-word definition of courage. But somewhere in the fuzziness of what I think it means, I now picture a pizza delivery girl excited about her baby.

Preface

The next several blogs are an account of the trip to Malaysia. I've been working on them for a couple days and have been jogging my memory, trying to remember as much as I can. I'll probably make a few other posts as I remember a random story or occurrence. Til then, enjoy, and here's some random pictures from the trip that didn't make it to the blogs.

Me and Petronas Towers

Quotation of the Week at a gas station

"Stampy" stealing some food before feeding time

Justin and I

Dive boat and storm coming in

Adirondacks

Night at Kapalai

Justin and his dad

Me and beer

Air Asia - Now Everyone Can Fly

Singapore

On our trip back to the States, we took an extra few hours and flew south to Singapore for the afternoon and evening on New Year's Day. Justin's old Japanese exchange student, Yuhei, met up with us and gave us a little walking tour of the city. After checking into our hooker hotel on the outskirts of the city, we took a cab to Orchard Road, a 1.3 km shopping mall. We ate lunch at an outdoor restaurant and people-watched for a while.

We made our way over to the Raffles Hotel, a very expensive and famous hotel in Singapore. (Not like our hooker hotel) Inside the small courtyard was an outdoor restaurant and long bar, along with high-end stores like Gucci and Coach. The living quarters of the hotel were closed off to the public.

From there, we took a cab to the riverfront and surveyed the damage from the night before. I guess Singapore throws a pretty big New Year's celebration. Everything was in Mardi Gras colors. Confetti, noise-makers, and other reminders of the night before laid across the street. We stopped at a small Spanish restaurant along the river. I had my Pina Colada and the three of us enjoyed the afternoon warmth while watching the tourist boats go by in the river next to us. (Sharpy and Rosebach.... they have DUCK BOATS!!! quack quack!)

Yuhei and Justin

Another cab ride later and we were back to Orchard Road. In the basement of one of the shopping malls was a famous Taiwanese restaurant. From outside the restaurant, you can see into the "kitchen" through a giant glass plate window. Din Tai Fung specializes in their hand-made dumplings. Each dumpling has at least 18 tiny folds enclosing the meat inside. Unlike the States, the concern here is the quality of food, and not the quantity.

After a delicious dinner, we wandered the along the lighted Orchard Road for a while, before walking down a back alley to a small bar. We put down a pitcher of beer and soaked up the ambience of the warm and humid evening. Justin and I made it back to our hooker hotel, where my suspicions that it was a hooker hotel were confirmed.

An afternoon and evening does not do this small country justice. When I travel to that side of the world again, I'll probably spend several days in Singapore and really get a feeling for the place. Definitely going back to the dumpling place too.

Elephant Sanctuary

If you leave the bustling capital, Kuala Lumpur, and head East, you find yourself on a major highway cutting through the rolling mountain range of Titiwangsa very quickly. Not all that different looking from I-80 breaking through the Rocky Mountain front range actually. Just a little less snow. :)

The views were breathtaking. Mountains upon mountains covered in a lush green landscape. Mini rain storms were common along the route, and proper drainage systems were appropriately built whenever a steep slope met the highway. Pretty impressive engineering.

We drove along this winding highway for about 2 hours before reaching the little town of Pahang. From there, we weaved through the thick rainforest on little roads that passed through even smaller "towns." Many native Malay live in these little locations in longhouses. Felt a bit odd driving through the area. We finally reached the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary.

This sanctuary aims at translocating the Asian Elephant from areas of Malaysia where their natural habitat has been destroyed by plantations to areas that are consistent with their lifestyle. The Asian Elephant is an endangered species and so its preservation is critical. Now that you are well informed of the Asian Elephant and its respective sanctuary, as I know you all wanted to be, I'll share the fun stories.

While visiting this sanctuary, you can feed and ride these huge animals. The elephants are led by the staff over to a large covered cement platform where they are washed and prepared for feeding. Bins of fresh fruit are lined up at the front and guests are welcome to pick up a couple pieces and walk over to the elephants. From there, it's a feeding frenzy and you're lucky if you come out with your arm still attached.

"Stampy"

"AAAAAAA"

After the elephants are nice and full, the oldest and largest are led over to a loading platform, about 20 feet off the ground. After climbing up the platform, you are helped onto the elephant for a brief ride. I was lucky enough to be one of the two people whose elephant was led down to the river. The elephant walks into the river and proceeds to take a "nose-dive," with you still on top! The elephant tosses you off its back and you're thrown into the water. Quite the surprise!

tour guide, justin, me, stampy

hard to tell, but that is me, as my elephant is diving into the water

after my elephant dive

New Year's Eve

New Year's has always been an eventful holiday for me, seeing that it is also my birthday. I've partied with all types of people at many a location. Never did I expect to celebrate it almost directly on the other side of the world from where the "Big Ball" drops with a bunch of British guys though.

Since Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital, doesn't have a "Big Ball," it celebrates by shooting off fireworks in front of the Petronas Twin Towers at midnight. Fortunately for us, Kevin and Nancy's apartment balcony conveniently overlooks these towers from about 9 floors up. After a home-cooked birthday dinner (mmm... Chicken Parmigiana), the wine, beer, and liquor flowed freely. Friends showed up to the apartment at around 10 and the party took off. I chatted with a couple of the British guys who had been all over the world. They had fantastic stories to tell about the places and people they had seen. The travel bug is very contagious.

After counting down from 10 about three times, the fireworks went off and the motley crew of us rang in the New Year together. I kissed my love and sat back with my booze and enjoyed the phenomenal show halfway around the world. Very awesome night.

(Oh, and I did not pray to the porcelain gods this year... an amazing feat for me)

Kapalai Island

The day after Christmas, we woke up early and flew northeast to the Island of Borneo, the 3rd largest island in the world. From there, we drove about an hour, along the edge of the Malaysian border, to a little town known as Sempora, located in Sabah. Any farther south, and you would be in Indonesia. Along the drive were fields of palm trees, strategically planted to produce an exorbitant amount of palm oil.

Once we reached the end of the island, our driver transferred our luggage to a small boat. We then proceeded to take a 45 minute boat ride to Kapalai Island. When they say "island," they're being very generous. Our hotel/resort was a boardwalk, if you will, built on struts upon a submerged sandbar in the middle of the ocean. Malaysia had banned resorts from building on its tiny islands in 2004 due to tourist destruction, and so the alternative was to build them on submerged sandbars. Think paradise. And you start to get a picture of the two and a half days we spent here.

Each little cottage was appropriately built for two, each with it's own bathroom, bedroom/living area, and private balcony. All wooden windows and shutters could be open while still ensuring privacy. The balcony opened up on the beautiful teal colored water. In the water were starfish, schools of small and large fish, sting rays, coral, etc. "Feeding time" was often heard when the larger schools of fish came in and surrounded the smaller schools. The splashing would attract the birds on the sandbar and the show would go on for several minutes. A constant sea breeze and salty smell occupied the small living quarters and provided a sense of total relaxation and peace.

Once we were settled in our little resort, where shoes/flipflops are not allowed in public areas, we spent a day underwater. Justin, his mom, dad, and I loaded onto a boat with several others and were taken out to Sipadan Island, about a 15 minute boat ride. From there, Justin and his dad went scuba diving, and his mom and I snorkeled for hours. Never have I seen such colors. Electric blue starfish, hot pink coral, flaming orange fish, and a medley of other shades filled the underwater world. I'm in love with snorkeling now and want to get my scuba diving certification.

And for all you curious romantics, Justin proposed to me at this wonderful location. One night, after a bottle of red wine on our little balcony that overlooked the endless sea, he proceeded to walk inside and come back out with a little red velvet box. He then sat on my lap, and asked me to marry him.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital, is a melting pot of cultures from all over the world. The predominant language is English, so getting around is never a problem. Within the city itself, almost everything you could need is within walking distance. And if it's not, a 5 - 10 minute cab ride is all it takes. The people are wonderful. Even though everyone has their own religion, their own language, their own culture, courtesy and respect were the priority.

At the heart of the city are the Petronas Twin Towers. These domineering structures were completed in 1998 and were the tallest buildings in the world at that time. (They have since been surpassed by buildings I really don't feel like looking up... ha ha.. get it... looking up.. ha)



At ground level is a shopping mall and convention center. It was at a restaurant outside the convention center that the booze tower was consumed. (Seriously have only seen booze towers at Nacho Night and in Malaysia now)

If you travel 20 minutes outside the city by car, you find yourself in the middle of the Forest Institute of Malaysia (FRIM). Within FRIM are beautiful rainforest hikes that isolate you completely from any hint of civilization. Just before FRIM, you run into the Batu Caves. After climbing 272 stairs, you're enclosed by enormous caves that house many Hindu Temples. On the climb, it is not unusual to be bothered by a few monkeys hungry for whatever snacks you may have on you. After descending back down the stairs, Justin, his dad, and I cooled off with coconut milk, right from the coconut itself at the base of the caves. (Pictures to come!)

On our first day in town, after our booze tower, we took a short subway ride over to Kuala Lumpur's Central Market. Think giant enclosed mall with 100's of craft stores. It's a great place to pick up souvenirs, look at intricate wood carvings, grimace at framed bugs, eat lunch, and enjoy the social atmosphere of Malaysia. Outside the Central Market, a mini-fashion show was going on with young girls dressed up for Christmas. The girls were adorned in beautiful red, green, and gold dresses along with elaborate head pieces. It was a familiar comfort remembering that my favorite holiday was indeed the next day.

On Christmas Day, we rode up to the top of the Kuala Lumpur Tower. Essentially, a very large communications and observation tower. The views of the city were breathtaking. A preserved section of rainforest with several short hiking paths was at the base of the tower.

The appeal of Kuala Lumpur to so many individuals is apparent. It's a friendly and clean city with lots to do. During our stay, we ate Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, Chili's (yes, the restaurant), and who knows what else. I got food poisoning. I got better. We had real Guiness at an Irish Bar. We went to a movie theater with barka loungers, beer, and waiter service. We went to Chinatown and ate coconut pancakes for $0.25. We watched the nightly fountain show in the park below the Petronas Twin Towers. The people are fantastic. We experienced everything possible and I couldn't be more thrilled. I can't wait to do it all again.

Another One Bites the Dust

I'm back from the other side of the world with tons of stories and pictures to share. Malaysia was amazing. I had a blast, met tons of people, ate really weird food, and experienced a completely different way of life. As I attempt to organize some sort structure to the next few blogs I create detailing the trip, I'll share the most important happening of the entire week....

....and I apologize if you all feel you deserved a phone call or something instead a blog bit, but I did try to call all of you, and after about a dozen voicemails picked up, I gave up....


Justin and I are engaged!


I know right.

In the words of Jello, "Why would you do such a thing?? Haven't you learned from the rest of us??"

Apparently I have not learned from the rest of you. And I got distracted by the shiny thing.

So now, in addition to school, work, and all the other fun stresses of life, I supposedly have to plan a wedding. Cue Megan Collins from stage right. I have no idea when or where this event will take place, but I do know it'll involve a lot of friends, family, and booze. AKA - open bar, hopefully. You're all very welcome.

Sarcasm aside, I'm ecstatic. I've never been so happy in my life. I can't believe how lucky I am to be marrying the man of my dreams, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with this wonderful guy. I've been completely out of character all week with all the giddyness (not a word, I know) I have been exhibiting. I'm so excited!

Awwww, OK, mushy stuff done, I promise.

As for other events from the trip, here's a brief synopsis, which will be elaborated in great detail later on:

• feeding/riding elephants
• getting sick on the 16 hour flight to Hong Kong (no need for further elaboration)
• booze tower (just like Nacho Night, really)
• New Year's fireworks
• food poisoning (surprise surprise)
• snorkeling
• hooker hotel in Singapore
• Hindu temples
• etc, etc

I'll return with photos and stories in the next several days. For now, I'm putting my sick ass to bed and gearing up for a fun day of work, lecture, and Anatomy lab. It was a fun break while it lasted.

And what's this I hear about Penn State winning the Outback Bowl and the Eagles topping the NFC East division? I need to leave the country more often.